Larry Shenk, Vice President of Alumni Relations, shares his notes, quotes and anecdotes from the world of baseball.

Jenkins, Equipment Truck….Gone

Well, as you’ve heard the big news out of camp is the release of Geoff Jenkins. Todd Zolecki has all the details.

To some, the news is welcome. But, players are human and to see him in the clubhouse in civilian clothing gives a different perspective. He was surrounded by five of his teammates, or, in this case, ex-teammates.

Clubhouse chemistry is so important over a 162-game season and one of the big reasons the Phillies have been so successful. Jenkins added to that chemistry. When looking at players, more than skills are taken into consideration.

AwardsPrior to tonight’s game, the Phillies will present awards in honor of the late John Vukovich, Phillies chairman Bill Giles and the late Larry Rojas.

The Vukovich Award is presented to a member of the organization’s instructional staff who embodies the characteristics of a man who wore a Phillies uniform for 30 years–loyalty, dedication, competitiveness, knowledge and an endless work ethic. This year’s winner is Roly de Armas, who has been a player, minor league coach and manager, catching coordinator and interim bullpen coach on the major league level during his 29 years with the Phillies.

For the Giles and Rojas awards, the winners are chosen on the following criteria: love and respect for the game of baseball, an outstanding work ethic and pride in being a member of the Phillies.

Winning the Giles award is a 21-year-old right-handed pitcher who was drafted in the third round last year out of Long Beach State University, Vance Worley.

The Larry Rojas award is presented to the Hispanic player in the Phillies organization who exemplifies the same criteria. Arlon Quiroz, a 22-year-old outfielder who was signed as an amateur free agent four years ago out of Venezuela, is the 2009 winner.

The Phillies’ rookie level team received their 2008 Gulf Coast League championship rings following the presentation of the three awards. Can’t wait for the April 8 World Series ring ceremony.

Camp NotesAn Atlas Allied Van backed up to the Bright House Field clubhouse around 7:50 this morning. The clubhouse crew was here then and will be here well after tonight’s game is over. Boxes of equipment, trunks, all kinds of luggage, bicycles, fishing rods, toddler’s jump seats were among the 22,000 pounds loaded for a trip to Citizens Bank Park . . . Phillies are at the Yankees tomorrow afternoon, host the Nationals on Thursday and then fly to Philly . . . Final roster decisions will take place Thursday afternoon at the minor league camp. Look for a few more cuts.

Like this:

LikeLoading...

Related

1 Comment

I really hope you are right about more than skills being looked at, because I hear now the Phils are talking to Gary Sheffield. Clubhouse chemisrty IS important and Sheffield is a clubhouse nightmare. Just wrote a huge rant on all the reason Sheffield does NOT fit with this team.

I will really miss Jenkins; as stats go, I was not happy with the pick up, but he is a VERY nice guy and did fit in well with the team. I am sad to see him go :O( I’d rather have a rookie fill that spot though, like Mayberry, who is a great kid overall, than a guy like Sheffield who is ALL about controversy. Not to mention, 40 years old and his stats are declining. Ok, done ranting for today!

Meta

The following are trademarks or service marks of Major League Baseball entities and may be used only with permission of Major League Baseball Properties, Inc. or the relevant Major League Baseball entity: Major League, Major League Baseball, MLB, the silhouetted batter logo, World Series, National League, American League, Division Series, League Championship Series, All-Star Game, and the names, nicknames, logos, uniform designs, color combinations, and slogans designating the Major League Baseball clubs and entities, and their respective mascots, events and exhibitions.